The cup of coffee was especially good this morning. I was sitting on the patio with my sister and brother-in-law in Paragould. I would have a long drive to Fort Lauderdale, Florida today and was all packed and ready to travel.

Coffee finished, we all walked to the car together . Camera in hand, I asked the sister and brother-in-law to stand by the car for one last picture before I left.

The ipod was playing my favorite tunes and the weather was fine as I drove south. I would stay in Florida for an undetermined length of time. Fort Lauderdale might be a semi-permanent home for the foreseeable future. Or I might stay a few weeks and move on. I will figure it out as I go. Have I mentioned this retirement thing is fine?

I have been here before on vacation. I love the ocean and I think it is beautiful along the beach. There are a lot of exciting things to do for those that love water activities.

I check into my hostel and get my room. The hostel is located in walking distance from the beach and has many shopping stores all around. This is my first experience in a hostel and I am anxious to see what it is like. I am in a room with two other guys and they are both personable and we have a long talk getting acquainted . I begin to meet the other guests at the hostel and everyone is very open and friendly. I meet people from South Africa, England, Amsterdam, France and Germany among others. At nights we often have a communal cook-out by the pool. The continental breakfast in the morning is very good and served by the pool, also.

The weather is nice. I love a warm climate. For the next week and a half I move around looking at the town and checking on possible long term places to rent. I meet some very likable people all around town and begin to learn my way around.

Then, in my 10th day, while out about town, I get an emergency phone call that my sisters has had an accident. Before I get back to Arkansas, she has passed. I guess the morning I left I took the last picture that was taken of her. She was a wonderful person that we all miss very much. RIP Carolyn. Our family will never be the same.